# REVIEW: Candide by Leonard Bernstein **Review** — On Your Markus **Performance date:** Thursday 23 May 2024 **Published:** 24 May 2024 **Author:** Markus Hamence **Source:** https://onyourmarkus.au/reviews/review-candide-by-leonard-bernstein/ --- Review by Markus Hamence – Performance date: Thursday 23 May 2024, Her Majesty’s Theatre, Adelaide, South Australia Last night, I had the wonderful pleasure of attending Leonard Bernstein’s operetta *Candide* at Adelaide’s iconic Her Majesty’s Theatre. I’ve got to tell you, it was an evening of sheer delight and musical brilliance that left the audience buzzing with excitement and admiration. It’s been over a decade since State Opera South Australia and State Theatre Company South Australia have joined forces to produce a piece of work and thank gosh they have collaborated once again because this theatrical opera is a joyful, high-energy romp that has you chuckling throughout. Let’s get down to it… ![Performers in colourful costumes on stage with orchestra and audience visible during a theatrical production.](https://media.onyourmarkus.au/repaired/a9628c7a-0d48-4247-9951-b861d0fe2219/Candide_SPC_Grant-Leslie.webp) ### A Historical Gem in a Modern Setting Her Majesty’s Theatre, with its rich history and recent renovations, provided the perfect backdrop for this classic operetta. The theatre itself is a masterpiece, blending the charm of yesteryear with modern comforts. Acoustically this theatre is a treaure and audible wonder, so as I walked through the grand entrance and took my seat with my friend, we couldn’t help but feel a sense of anticipation for the night ahead. ![Two people sit at a rehearsal table with scripts and notes, smiling during what appears to be a theatre production meeting.](https://media.onyourmarkus.au/originals/8472/ASB3323-SOSA-CANDIDE-WEB-073.jpg) *Co-Directors; Amy Campbell and Mitchell Butel* ### A Masterful Production From the moment the overture began and the heavy curtain raised, it was clear that this production of *Candide* was something special. A large orchestra was revealed and an even larger choir (which formed an impressive back-drop) appeared. Impressive, alongside the colourful polka dot setting. The orchestra, under the baton of the incredibly talented conductor in Anthony Hunt, brought Bernstein’s vibrant score to life with precision and passion. Each note was a testament to Bernstein’s genius, and the musicians’ dedication to their craft was evident in every bar. The musicianship is sublime. ### Stellar Performances The all-star cast of *Candide* delivered performances that were nothing short of spectacular. The titular role of Candide was played by a tenor whose voice was as clear and bright as a summer morning by Alexander Lewis. The first time I’ve seen him in a role and his talent does run-over, engaging and effervescent in performance skill. The character’s journey from naive optimism to disillusionment and back to a kind of hopeful realism was portrayed with both depth and humor. I’m now a fan of Lewis. The character of Cunegonde played dynamically by Annie Aitken, with her infamous aria ‘Glitter and Be Gay’, was a showstopper. The soprano’s virtuosic display of vocal agility and comic timing had the audience in stitches and awe. Her sparkling costume and exuberant performance truly embodied the spirit of the piece. Aitken is breathtaking from all angles. Mitchell Butel (also Co-Director as mentioned) had his hands full and performed brilliantly as the storyteller in Dr Pangloss. Played delightfully and at time gave me Alan Cummings vibes (a compliment of course). I’m always impressed with what Butel brings to the table, he’s a freaking gem – Thank goodness we have him in South Australia 🙂 One of Australia’s leading theatre ladies acts, sings and dances (show choreography by Co-Director Amy Campbell) up a storm as ‘The Old (Veteran) Lady’ and does so with every fibre of her being as we have come to expect from her. She’s a bloody dynamo. She’s cheeky, naughty and flirtatious in every moment. Bravo dear Caroline. It doesn’t stop there… Adelaide’s German Boy Wonder, Hans, as Mazimilian, thrills and delights us with his debut with these said companies and holds command easily and effortlessly not unlike his well attuned cabaret shows. The crowd love Hans, and he plays up to them. Paquette played by Taylah Johns is stunning, a ray of sunshine on stage with a stunning voice. The swaggering John Longmuir is always charming and his confidence on stage is pulp-able, he knows where he comes to life and his characters are evidence of his finely tuned chops. Singing sensation and cabaret darling Michaela Burger, Rosie Hosking, Ezra Juanta and Rod Schultz are equally stunning and take the spotlight at various times during the 2 hours and 40 minutes (20 minute interval included) and enthral us with oodles of charisma. There is literally NO WEAK LINK in the casting and with such a star studded cast noone is left in the shadows, each shine brightly and the unison we see is solid. ![Two performers in elaborate period costumes dance centre stage while an orchestra plays behind them under purple stage lighting.](https://media.onyourmarkus.au/repaired/1390860a-85bd-4fbe-bcc2-683fdd5db529/Candide-7.webp) ### A Visual Feast The set (Ailsa Paterson) and costume (Brendan De La Hay) design were equally impressive, transporting us from the quaint innocence of Westphalia to the exotic locales of Lisbon, Paris, and beyond. Each scene was a visual feast, with lavish costumes and innovative sets that seamlessly transformed before our eyes. The use of lighting (Gavin Norris) to enhance the mood and highlight key moments was particularly effective, adding another layer of emotion to the story. ### Witty and Timeless What struck me most about this production was how timeless and relevant *Candide* felt. Voltaire’s biting satire, combined with Bernstein’s witty and exuberant score, created a powerful commentary on the human condition that resonates just as strongly today as it did in the 18th century. The direction cleverly highlighted these themes, balancing the humor with moments of genuine poignancy. ### Final Thoughts In conclusion, Leonard Bernstein’s *Candide* at Her Majesty’s Theatre was an evening of unforgettable music, exceptional performances, and visual splendor. It was a reminder of the power of operetta to entertain, provoke thought, and bring people together. If you have the chance to see this production, I highly recommend it. It’s a joyous celebration of the resilience of the human spirit, wrapped in a package of musical brilliance and theatrical magic. ‘Stars?’ you ask?… FIVE Brilliant, Dazzling, High Energy Stars 🙂 Until next time, keep exploring and enjoying the arts! **Candide by Leonard Bernstein** Her Majesty’s Theatre 23-25 May 2024 **[Tickets](https://www.adelaidefestivalcentre.com.au/whats-on/candide?dateId=24-05-2024&performanceId=ESTC2024752CD)**[!](https://www.adelaidefestivalcentre.com.au/whats-on/candide?dateId=24-05-2024&performanceId=ESTC2024752CD) [Watch on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/embed/h-d-i1N091M) ![Two performers in vibrant costumes sing together on stage during a production of Candide, with orchestra visible behind them.](https://media.onyourmarkus.au/originals/8457/ZAm8zqrg.jpg) ![Performer in colourful patterned jacket and yellow trousers sits on stage with arms raised, surrounded by orchestra musicians during a theatrical production.](https://media.onyourmarkus.au/originals/8458/t7zN8Fpg.jpg) ![Ensemble cast in period costumes stands centre stage under dramatic red and blue lighting during a theatrical production.](https://media.onyourmarkus.au/originals/8459/Ogcsy_fg.jpg) ![Cast members in colourful costumes take a bow on stage under vibrant blue spotlights and suspended coloured orbs during Candide.](https://media.onyourmarkus.au/originals/8460/wrytDNjQ.jpg) ![Performer in red hair and plaid dress stands centre stage whilst orchestra members sit at instruments in dim theatre lighting.](https://media.onyourmarkus.au/originals/8461/7V__fTxA.jpg) ![Performer in ornate striped coat gestures expansively on stage, with orchestra and coloured stage lights visible behind.](https://media.onyourmarkus.au/originals/8462/fzxnlfMA.jpg) ![Two actors in period costumes flanked by performers in vibrant orange and yellow furry creature costumes on stage.](https://media.onyourmarkus.au/originals/8463/a2eBikeg.jpg) ![Two performers in colourful costumes engage in a comedic scene on stage during a theatrical production.](https://media.onyourmarkus.au/originals/8464/JLRxot3g.jpg) ![Orchestra and colourful stage lighting illuminate a theatrical performance on a grand stage with hanging spherical lights.](https://media.onyourmarkus.au/originals/8465/CjDG1WCg.jpg) ![Performer in lavender costume with arms outstretched on stage, illuminated by purple lighting with orchestra visible behind.](https://media.onyourmarkus.au/originals/8466/BAcAPONg.jpg) *Markus Hamence interviews Caroline O’Connor* ![Six performers in colourful costumes strike exuberant poses against a pink-lit backdrop for Bernstein's Candide musical theatre production.](https://media.onyourmarkus.au/originals/8467/sfx308471.jpg)